THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. and REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) and deCODE Genetics today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Amgen will acquire deCODE Genetics, a global leader in human genetics, headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland. The all-cash transaction values deCODE Genetics at $415 million, subject to customary closing adjustments, and was unanimously approved by the Amgen Board of Directors.

"deCODE Genetics has built a world-class capability in the study of the genetics of human disease," said Robert A. Bradway, president and CEO at Amgen. "This capability will enhance our efforts to identify and validate human disease targets. This fits perfectly with our objective to pursue rapid development of relevant molecules that reach the right disease targets while avoiding investments in programs based on less well-validated targets."

Founded in 1996, deCODE Genetics is a global leader in analyzing and understanding the link between the genome and disease susceptibility. Using its unique expertise and access to a well-defined population in Iceland, deCODE Genetics has discovered genetic risk factors for dozens of diseases ranging from cardiovascular disease to cancer.

"One of the ways to truly realize the full value of human genetics, is to make our research synergistic with drug development efforts where target discovery, validation and prioritization efforts can be accelerated," said Kari Stefansson, M.D., Dr. Med., founder and CEO at deCODE Genetics. "We believe Amgen's focus and ability to incorporate our genetic research into their research and development efforts will translate our discoveries into meaningful therapies for patients."

This transaction does not require regulatory approval, and is expected to close before the end of 2012.

About AmgenAmgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disease and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com. Follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.

Forward Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and others that can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2011, and in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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